By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor
Philadelphia Phillies starter Aaron Nola was scheduled to start against the Giants tonight at Citizens Bank Park, but instead, he's headed to disabled list with a right elbow strain.
#Phillies have placed RHP Aaron Nola on the 15-day DL with a right elbow strain and recalled RHP Phil Klein from Lehigh Valley.
— Phillies (@Phillies) August 3, 2016
Since throwing six shutout innings against Milwaukee on June 5, Aaron Nola has struggled badly, but there was never a true indicator of him suffering an injury. Command, normally Nola's forte, seemed to be the main issue for the Phillies first-round pick in 2014, who posted a 10.42 ERA in June and a 6.30 in the month of July after going 3-2 with a 2.31 ERA in May. This season, Nola is 6-9 with a 4.79 ERA.
Phillies manager Pete Mackanin met with the media prior to the game and said that depending on how much time Nola misses, he could be shut down for the rest of the season. As for if we'll see Jake Thompson?
Jake Thompson in Nola's place after Klein spot start? "That would be a good solid guess," Mackanin said.
— Ryan Lawrence (@ryanlawrence21) August 3, 2016
Mackanin said based on how much time Nola misses on DL, he could be shut down rest of season.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) August 3, 2016
Taking Nola's place in the rotation, for tonight at least, is Triple-A starter Phil Klein. The Phillies claimed him off waivers from Texas in the middle of June. In eight games with the Ironpigs, four of which have been starts, Klein is 1-1 with a 2.13 ERA. He has a 3.24 ERA overall as a starter between Lehigh Valley and Double-A Frisco in the Rangers organization.
In other news, Phillies closer Jeanmar Gomez has been placed on the paternity list. Michael Mariot has been brought up to fill in while Gomez is with his family. In 26 games with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Mariot is 1-2 with a 2.23 ERA. He's allowed just one earned run over his last 10.1 innings.